Family of Idaho student massacre suspect speaks out for first time

The family of Bryan Christopher Kohberger, the 28-year-old charged with the murders of four University of Idaho students, has spoken out for the first time since his arrest, requesting the "presumption of innocence" and "privacy."

Kohberger's attorney, a public defender, issued a statement on behalf of the family. "First and foremost we care deeply for the four families who have lost their precious children," the statement begins, expressing sympathy for the loved ones of slain friends Kaylee Goncalves, 21, and Madison Mogen, 21, as well as Ethan Chapin, 20, and Xana Kernodle, 20, who were in a relationship when all four were stabbed to death in their off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho.



"There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we feel, and we pray each day for them. We will continue to let the legal process unfold and as a family we will love and support our son and brother," the statement continued.

In a previous statement, Kohberger's attorney said his client was "shocked" by the four first-degree murder charges and that he "is eager to be exonerated of these charges and looks forward to resolving these matters as promptly as possible." Kohberger denied that he had anything to do with the killings and claimed through his representation that he would cooperate with authorities, The Daily Mail reports.

The family's statement concluded with, "We have fully cooperated with law enforcement agencies in an attempt to seek the truth and promote his presumption of innocence rather than judge unknown facts and make erroneous assumptions. We respect privacy in this matter as our family and the families suffering loss can move forward through the legal process."

Kohberger, a criminal justice PhD student at Washington State University, has been described as a "bully" and "aggressive" by former friends, while his classmates say he appeared to be in an improved mood after the crimes took place. 

Police alleged that Kohberger committed the crimes alone, with chief of Moscow Police James Fry on Saturday saying, "We truly believe we have the individual that committed these crimes" when asked if authorities were looking into accomplices in the murders.